I understand that most Americans are very busy this time of year. Shopping at the mall, decorating the house, entertaining family and friends, church and school plays, from Halloween until the New Year everyone is busy. There is little time to fit anything else into our already over crowded schedules. Is it possible to take some time to remember two of the most important days in United States history?
The end of World War I and the beginning of World War II are both listed on most American calendars. Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I was first observed in 1919, one year after President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the end of hostilities in Europe on the “Eleventh hour of the Eleventh day of the Eleventh month.” In 1953, by act of Congress, the day was changed to Veterans Day to honor all those that have served in the armed forces.
In his speech before Congress on Dec. 8, 1941, Franklin Roosevelt described the events that took place the day before, “a ‘date’ that will live in infamy” as he described the bombing at Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan. He deliberately listed the date of Dec. 7 later in his speech to emphasize that Americans should not forget what transpired that Sunday morning. Have Americans properly remembered these two dates?
The events of Sept. 11, 2001, are still etched in everyone’s minds. Every year there is a memorial service held in New York City, at The Pentagon, and in the field near Shanksville, Penn., where the four planes were crashed. Bumper stickers proclaim “WE WILL NEVER FORGET” but once these bumper stickers wear off, will their sentiments still be completely accurate?
My children were too young to remember what took place that day. When they are adults and the loved ones of those killed are gone will that date be relegated to be remembered by only a date on the calendar?
The death toll from 9/11 is 2,992 compared to 2,403 American services members killed in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They are generally considered the 4th and 6th deadliest days in our country’s history. As time passes will these dates be comparable in the way that they are remembered? It is my hope that they will be given the same significance and place in United States history.
In his letter to the editor in the Dec. 1 edition of “The Evening News,” Jack Sandlin, of Jeffersonville, voices his dismay when it comes to our community’s remembrance of Veterans Day. As a veteran, he was disappointed for lack of any type of public service in Southern Indiana. He asks the question “Can this community do better next year?”
There are two restaurants that do honor veterans for their service to our country. Applebee’s and Golden Corral both provided free meals for those who served in the military.
On this past Monday the only mention that I noticed of Pearl Harbor Day was a short blurb on the evening news that proclaimed that all flags in Kentucky were to be set at half mast to remember the events of Dec. 7, 1941. There was also an Associated Press article in the other local paper that told the story of someone that would be making a trip back to Pearl Harbor for the 68th anniversary of the attacks. I did not see anything about any service or remembrance that was held.
Mr. Sandlin said it very eloquently, “those men and women who have and are serving deserve our highest regards.” We must take time out of our busy holiday schedules to remember those who have served.
Next year, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day need to be more than just a day on the calendar. We owe it to those who gave their lives for this country. It is the least we can do. Next year, we will do better.
Matthew Nash appreciates all those who serve or have served in the United States Armed forces. He can be reached at dmatthewnash@gmail.com
Columns
Related Photos
Discussion
NASH: We must take time to remember
- Columns
-
-
CLERE: Walkout is absurd
The walkout by Indiana House Democrats entered its third week yesterday as tensions continued to rise and misinformation proliferated.
-
LADD: New Albany has new energy
New Albany is evolving. Public art has become more prevalent in the downtown, drawing more locals and outside visitors to our community; bringing more publicity.
-
DODD: Vegas is always a good bet
It was the Dodd family in Las Vegas. We went ostensibly to celebrate my son Cameron’s 17th birthday. That was simply a smoke screen. My real plan was an early retirement from my ill-gotten casino fortune. Before my risky sojourn we had many hours of family fun.
-
STAWAR: I’m not exaggerating, I’m aspiring
Exaggeration is a commonplace phenomenon. For one thing, it lies at the heart of the advertising industry.
-
NASH: Holding officials to higher standards
A few weeks ago in my weekly column, I discussed a growing trend of people, mostly elected officials, who believed that they are above the law.
-
HARBESON: It’s super living in Indiana
My husband and I attend an annual Super Bowl party, which is normally a small gathering of friends, but this year our host’s home was bursting with guests.
-
GESENHUES: The Susan G. Komen precedent
My mom is a breast cancer survivor.
I have walked many a mile in support of the cause and raised a sizable number of dollars for breast cancer research. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure initiatives are not lost on me. -
BEAM: Just smile
Whispers will soon abound outside of school as the corporation enters negotiations this summer with the teacher’s union over a new contract. Aides are not covered under the union.
-
HOWEY: Keeping Peyton in the Hoosier pantheon
The critics of keeping Manning suggest he would return to a team struggling to contend. I’m not buying that. The Colts were decimated for a second consecutive year with injuries, particularly on defense. With the top choice in each round, they can quickly reset, as San Francisco and Cincinnati did this year.
-
CUMMINS: How to live a stable life
Then I heard Newt Gingrich say that he will establish a colony on the moon by the end of his second term. I’d vote for him if he would go.
- More Columns Headlines
-
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
